How Cincinnati Can Turn it Around
Photo from Cincinnati Enquirer.
Cincinnati, Ohio (PSF). 23 games into the season, the Cincinnati Reds sit at 8-15, and last place in the National League Central Division. The Reds started the season at 4-4 and looked good throughout those games. The only weakness was their bullpen. However, lately that seems to be their strong spot. Which begs the question, “What does Cincinnati need to do to win?”
With 139 games in the season, there is still time for Cincinnati to turn this around. It all starts with bringing some guys up from AAA Louisville. After DFA-ing Jason Vosler on Monday, the team called up Henry Ramos. In 11 games at Louisville this season, Ramos hit .314, with seven RBI’s.
Right away Ramos’ energy became contagious. A team that was on a six-game losing streak and had seemingly lost all the energy they carried at the beginning of the year started to feed off of a 31-year-old outfielder who was called up that day. Cincinnati went on to win this game and snap their losing streak against the Texas Rangers, who held first place in the American League West Division.
Henry Ramos after a bases loaded walk to bring the Reds within one run. Photo from Katie Stratman of USA Today Sports.
These moves shouldn’t stop here though. Cincinnati’s farm system is stacked, with Matt McClain Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion Strand (CES), and Andrew Abbott. McClain is slashing .284, with 14 RBIs in 20 games this season. De La Cruz and CES were recently activated in Louisville, making it imperative that they get some quality games in at the AAA level before being called up, but they are key parts in turning this season around. Abbott has spent the start of the season in AA Chattanooga, but recently got called up to Louisville, putting him in the same situation at De La Cruz, and CES. However, in three outings this year, Abbott has a 1.15 ERA, and 36 strikeouts.
The team lacks energy after losing more than winning. These young guys can come join this team, and revive the energy they need to start winning again.
With Luke Weaver joining the team in the starting rotation, after a short rehab assignment, Cincinnati now has a solid 4 in their rotation: Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, Hunter Greene, and Weaver. However, Luis Cessa taking up that fifth spot is not ideal. In 4 games this year, Cessa has started four games, pitching 16.2 innings, and posting an ERA of 10.80
It’s clear that Abbott is a much better fit for this rotation, now it’s only a matter of time. Cincinnati must be careful not to rush him to the big leagues. A couple of starts in Louisville, looking like he did in Chattanooga, and we will see him in no time. This would be the ideal pipeline, allowing Cessa to transfer to the bullpen, where he is most useful.
Jose Barerro has already started taking reps in the outfield, similar to what he has done throughout his career, presumably prepping to open up that shortstop position for De La Cruz at some point this season.
An ideal lineup for Cincinnati, by July at the absolute latest would include: Spencer Steer at first, Johnathan India at second, De La Cruz at short, McClain at third, Tyler Stephenson behind the plate, T.J. Friedl in left field, Nick Senzel, or Barerro in center field, and Jake Fraley in right field, with CES as the designated hitter.
This lineup, combined with a rotation of Lodolo, Greene, Ashcraft, Weaver, and Abbott would give the Reds their best shot at being competitive and maybe having a shot to compete for the post season after an abysmal start.